Bingerville, Côte d’Ivoire
Region: Abidjan Autonomous District
Geographic Coordinates: 5.350000, -3.900000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Population: 204656
Language: French
Bingerville is a city situated in the southeastern part of Côte d’Ivoire, Just 10 kilometers away from Abidjan, The country’s economic capital. The city was established in 1904 by French colonizers and has since become a significant economic center for the nation. Bingerville is home to over 100, 000 people and serves as a transportation and commerce hub. One of Bingerville’s most prominent features is its architecture. The city boasts several well-preserved colonial-era buildings, Including the town hall built-in 1910, Which still stands today as one of Bingerville’s most iconic landmarks.
Other notable buildings include Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus church dating back to 1928. Another essential feature of Bingerville is its educational institutions. The city houses several prestigious schools such as Lycée Classique d’Abidjan founded in 1933 that has produced many notable alumni over the years. Additionally, There are numerous primary schools located throughout Bingerville that provide quality education to local children. Bingerville also offers a vibrant cultural scene with many festivals and events taking place throughout the year such as Fête des Masques (Festival of Masks), Which celebrates traditional Ivorian culture through dance performances and mask-making workshops.
Regarding natural attractions, Visitors can access lush forests filled with exotic wildlife like monkeys, Birds, And butterflies when they visit Bingerville. There are also several parks within close proximity to the city where visitors can enjoy picnics or take leisurely strolls. Despite being relatively small compared to other cities within Côte d’Ivoire like Abidjan or Yamoussoukro, Bingerville provides plenty for visitors to see and do during their stay. Whether it’s exploring historic colonial buildings or attending cultural events or enjoying natural beauty surrounding forests and parks – there is something for everyone in this charming Ivorian city.
- The Bingerville Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the town and its people.
- The Bingerville Botanical Garden: This garden is home to various plant species and animals, including monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
- The Palace of Culture: This building hosts cultural events such as music concerts, theater plays, dance shows, and art exhibitions.
- The Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus Cathedral: This cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Côte d’Ivoire built-in 1917 by French colonizers.
- The Abidjan Zoo: Although not located directly in Bingerville but close enough for a visit this zoo hosts over 200 animal species from Africa like elephants, giraffes lions among others.
- Parc du Banco National Park: A national park with hiking trails through dense forest with wildlife viewing opportunities like primates (monkeys), birds among others.
- Bingerville is a suburb of Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire.
- The region is known for its production of cocoa, coffee, rubber and palm oil.
- Several construction companies operate in Bingerville that cater to the growing demand for housing and infrastructure development.
- Various supermarkets, shops and markets sell a wide range of goods in Bingerville.
- The area has several hotels and guesthouses that cater to tourists visiting Abidjan.
- Several schools and universities operate in Bingerville providing education to students from across the country.
- There are also several hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to residents as well as neighboring areas.
- The area has a well-developed transportation network with several taxi services operating within the city limits as well as buses connecting it to other parts of Abidjan.
- Founding of Bingerville: In 1893, the French colonial administration established Bingerville as the capital of Côte d’Ivoire.
- Governor Louis-Gustave Binger: The town was named after Governor Louis-Gustave Binger, who explored much of West Africa and negotiated treaties with local leaders for France.
- Construction of administrative buildings: During its time as the capital, Bingerville saw the construction of several important administrative buildings, including a governor’s palace and a courthouse.
- Abolition of slavery: In 1905, French authorities in Bingerville abolished slavery in Côte d’Ivoire.
- Development as an agricultural center: After Abidjan became the new capital in 1900, Bingerville developed into an important center for agriculture and forestry.
- Felix Houphouet-Boigny: One notable person associated with Bingerville is Felix Houphouet-Boigny, who served as Côte d’Ivoire’s first president from independence in 1960 until his death in 1993. He lived in a villa in Bingerville during his presidency.
- National Museum of Costume: Another notable attraction located in Bingerville is the National Museum of Costume (Musée national du costume), which showcases traditional Ivorian clothing and accessories.
- World War II resistance movement: During World War II, residents of Bingerville participated in a resistance movement against Vichy France’s collaborationist regime.
- Catholic Missionaries: Catholic missionaries played an important role establishing schools, hospitals, churches, etc. in early years.
- Fruits And Vegetables Market: Bingerville is famous for its fruits and vegetable market.
- Musée des Civilisations de Côte d’Ivoire (Museum of Ivorian Civilizations)
- La Maison des Artistes de Bingerville (Bingerville Artists’ House)
- Monument aux Morts (Monument to the Dead)
- Église Sainte-Anne de Bingerville (Saint Anne’s Church of Bingerville)
- Jardin Botanique de Bingerville (Bingerville Botanical Garden)
- Centre Culturel Jacques Aka-Anghui
- Parc National du Banco (Banco National Park)
- Le Marché Central de Bingerville (Central Market of Bingerville)
- Palais des Sports et de la Culture Treichville
- La Plage Bassam Beach
- Festival of Masks: This is a traditional festival held annually in Bingerville where people wear different masks representing various spirits and deities.
- Fête de la Musique: This is a music festival that takes place every June 21st in Bingerville, celebrating local musicians and artists.
- Independence Day Celebration: On August 7th every year, Bingerville celebrates its independence from France with parades and cultural displays.
- Easter Celebrations: During Easter season, there are various religious celebrations held in churches throughout Bingerville.
- National Day Celebration: On November 7th each year, Côte d’Ivoire celebrates its national day with parades and cultural displays in cities across the country including Bingerville.
- Christmas Celebrations: Christmas is celebrated by Christians all over the world including those living in Bingerville through church services and family gatherings.
Note that these events may vary from year to year depending on local customs or traditions as well as government regulations due to COVID-19 pandemic or other factors beyond our control.
- Attiéké: This is a staple Ivorian dish made from cassava and often served with grilled fish or chicken.
- Kedjenou: A traditional Ivorian stew prepared by slow-cooking chicken or guinea fowl in a sealed pot with vegetables and spices.
- Piment rouge: A spicy red pepper sauce that is commonly used as a condiment for various dishes.
- La Taverne de Bingerville: This restaurant is well-known for serving traditional Ivorian cuisine such as attiéké, kedjenou, and grilled fish.
- Chez Sika: Another popular restaurant that specializes in Ivorian dishes like foutou (mashed yam) served with different sauces.
- Le Boucanier: Situated near the beach, this seafood restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes including lobster, shrimp, and crab.
- Parc Zoologique de Bingerville: A zoo located in the outskirts of Bingerville with various animals such as lions, monkeys, and crocodiles.
- Le Jardin Botanique de Bingerville: A botanical garden located in the heart of Bingerville that showcases a variety of plant species.
- Complexe Sportif de Bingerville: A sports complex that offers facilities for soccer, basketball, volleyball and other outdoor games.
- La Plage de Grand Bassam: Although not located directly in Bingerville (it is about 30 minutes away), this beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.
It’s always best to check with local tourism boards or travel guides for the most accurate information on current attractions and activities in any given area.
